In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin presses pause on our relationship series to ask a simple but deeply spiritual question: “Is it okay if I get some rest?” Drawing from Genesis, Exodus, the Gospels, and Acts, Paul shows that rest isn’t just allowed—it’s actually the first spiritual discipline God teaches His people. From Adam’s very first day on Earth to the early Church in Acts, rest is a rhythm that reveals trust, identity, and God’s invitation for deeper connection. You’ll walk away with practical ways to make rest a regular rhythm this year—and be reminded that you are not a slave, but a son or daughter who can truly trust your Father.

In this powerful message, Pastor Paul Durbin unpacks one of the most underrated gifts we can give in relationships: mercy. Using a birthday-ticket story that turned into an unexpected encounter with grace, Paul guides Belay’ers through a biblical lens of undeserved kindness. Mercy isn't earned or deserved—and yet it's what God extends toward every single one of us through Jesus. This teaching looks at how we can reflect that same mercy in our closest relationships, even when it's hard. Through Scripture, real-life honesty, and a quadrant model, we learn to avoid manipulation, punishment, and bribery—and instead become people defined by compassion. Mercy changes everything.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin continues the series “Relationship Gifts” by exploring the second gift: listening. Drawing from Scripture and the Christmas story, Paul describes listening as showing up with full presence and genuine curiosity in our relationships—with others and with God. Through examples like Mary and Martha, Simeon, Anna, and even King Herod, we see how powerful—or absent—listening can be. Listening isn’t just a skill; it’s a gift that communicates love, connection, and honor. And the same God who listens to us, invites us to tune in to His voice and the people He’s placed in our lives.

Pastor Paul Durbin kicks off a new teaching series called “Relationship Gifts.” Each message will focus on a practical, biblical skill that can become a powerful gift we give others. This week, we start with honor. Pastor Paul unpacks what honor means through Scripture, a beloved Christmas song (“Little Drummer Boy”), and a powerful framework exploring how we value and act toward others. He challenges us to recognize God's assigned value in every person—and to align our actions with that value. True honor is costly, but it reflects the heart of Jesus, who honored us with His very life.

As we step into the Christmas season, Christian Braly opens a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation around one of life’s hardest questions: If God is good, why is there suffering? Drawing from his personal story, Scripture, and a deep understanding of value and meaning, Christian invites Belay’ers to see suffering not as a contradiction to God’s goodness, but as something that actually reveals our deep need for Him. This message builds a foundation rooted in the truth that God does not ignore pain—He enters it. And when we choose to be present with those who suffer, we reflect the light and love of Jesus more than clever answers ever could.

In this powerful message drawn from the final chapters of his book, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the radical generosity of the Good Samaritan and a call to spiritual multiplication. Using six practical resources—testimony, temperature, talent, time, treasure, and ties—Paul challenges us to create space in our everyday lives to help others become more like Christ. But it doesn’t end there. In the final chapter, we see that the journey of transformation is only complete when we help someone else take the same path. This is what it means to live "on belay"—to not only grow in Christ, but guide others to do the same.

In this powerful message drawn from the final chapters of his book, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the radical generosity of the Good Samaritan and a call to spiritual multiplication. Using six practical resources—testimony, temperature, talent, time, treasure, and ties—Paul challenges us to create space in our everyday lives to help others become more like Christ. But it doesn’t end there. In the final chapter, we see that the journey of transformation is only complete when we help someone else take the same path. This is what it means to live "on belay"—to not only grow in Christ, but guide others to do the same.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin unpacks what it means to create “space at the table” as part of following Jesus and living On Belay. By looking at three tables—His table, our table, and their table—we're invited to see how meals are more than just food. They are ministry. Jesus used meals as a way to express belonging, connection, and transformation, and we're called to do the same. Whether we're receiving what He offers, inviting people into our home, or accepting an invitation into someone else’s life, there’s power in simply showing up and sharing a meal. This message is an invitation to imitate Jesus in the way we gather, serve, and love others—right at the table.

In this powerful message, guest speaker Ben Brown invites Belay'ers to embrace “Living Color Worship”—a deeper, more vibrant way of connecting with God. Drawing from Revelation 4 and 5, Ben paints a stunning picture of worship in heaven, where unity, intimacy, and endurance define the ongoing response to who God is and what He’s done. Worship isn’t just a moment—it’s a posture, a lifestyle, a lifeline. Whether you’re musically gifted or not, God wants your voice, your heart, and your presence in worship. You'll come away inspired to step beyond a black-and-white experience of worship into the full color of heaven’s song.

Pastor Paul Durbin invites us into the final movement of spiritual formation: Belay—living on mission with Jesus. In this message, we explore how the Holy Spirit speaks today, not only through Scripture, but personally and powerfully in our lives. Paul shares a personal story of inner healing and shows how listening prayer can transform even our most painful memories. We learn that the Spirit and the Word always work together—bringing both comfort and calling. The shape of Belaying takes form as a dove (the Spirit), an open Bible (the Word), and an arrow (being sent). This message calls us to listen, heal, and step boldly into the mission God has for us

In this powerful message, Pastor Paul Durbin unpacks what it truly means to be “raised with Christ.” Using the final word in our four-part journey (Repent, Faith, Buried, and now Raised), Paul walks us through a personal and deeply scriptural understanding of our new identity in Christ. Through heartfelt stories and solid Bible truth, we explore each letter in the word RAISED: Relationship, Authority, Inheritance, Sainthood, Embark on Mission, and Disciple Others. You weren’t just saved from something—you’ve been raised for something.

Pastor Paul Durbin began a study of the Becoming anchor of our Belong → Believe → Become → Belay series by focusing on baptism—a sacred act that marks the moment we go under with Christ in death and rise with Him into new life. This week’s teaching, drawn from Chapters 11 and 12 of Paul’s upcoming book, paints baptism not as a water event, but as a burial. Every time someone is baptized—whether in a Chinese mountain stream or a modest apartment bathroom—they’re declaring that brokenness, unforgiveness, sin, shame, and deception are being buried in the tomb of Christ. This message will challenge you to look at what needs to stay buried… so you can fully become who God has made you to be.

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through what it really means to believe in Jesus—more than just head knowledge, but a transformational and embodied faith. Using the acronym FAITH, we explores how true faith is Factual, Actual, If you confess, Together with actions, and Habitual. Real faith moves from our head to our heart, flows out of our mouths, shows up in our hands, and carries us forward with our feet. Drawing on powerful imagery from the coffee roasting process, Paul reminded us that while roasting and grinding may not be pleasant, it’s all part of the transformation toward something beautiful. The question for each of us is: Has our belief moved beyond facts into full-bodied faith?

In this message, Paul Durbin walks through Chapter 7 & 8 of his upcoming book, inviting us to understand biblical belief—not just as agreeing with spiritual facts, but as a surrendering of the heart. Through a story about a young couple in China and the “Four Spiritual Truths,” we see how belief begins with relationship, is built on Jesus’ sacrifice, and calls us to respond with real repentance and active trust. This teaching helps us slow down and consider: where am I in the journey—and what’s holding me back from believing?

In this week’s reading of Paul’s book, he takes us deeper into what it really means to belong—not as a reward for our behavior or beliefs, but as a starting point. Through stories of the rich young ruler, the woman at the well, and Nicodemus, we see how Jesus consistently led with love before challenge. Belonging isn’t just a strategy—it’s God’s original design. And it’s not vague and sentimental either. It’s table-shaped and rooted in Scripture—from the prodigal son to a late-night Pharisee meeting. Jesus invites us into a love that goes first, that looks us in the eyes, and that sets the table long before we’ve cleaned ourselves up.

What if church hasn’t just lost people—but lost the rhythm of Jesus? In this unique and personal message, Pastor Paul Durbin shares the first chapters of a book he’s begun writing, challenging the flawed rhythm many churches have followed for years: “Believe, Behave, Belong, Be Seated.” Instead, he invites us to rediscover the life-giving rhythm we see in Jesus: “Belong, Believe, Become, Belay.” With stories from his own life—and from Scripture—Paul urges us to wake up to the love of God that started before we even noticed. It’s a love that says, “You belong right where you are”—not after you’ve got it all figured out.

In this special message, Paul and Patty Durbin reflect on a powerful three-week sabbatical they spent at Alongside—a retreat for pastors and missionaries. Together, they share honest, heartfelt takeaways about emotional health, God’s presence in pain, the power of attunement, and the freedom we have in how we respond to our past. Pastor Paul emphasizes that while we don’t always get answers, God always gives us a response—His face turned toward us in love, peace, and comfort. This message reminds us that transformation comes through awareness, connection, and choosing health even in hardship.

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Durbin wraps up our journey through Ephesians by asking a powerful question: If Christ is really transforming me, where will it start to show? Just like Clint Eastwood’s character in Gran Torino went from bitter and hateful to selfless and sacrificial, the Apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to championing the Church. That’s what real transformation looks like. In Ephesians 6, Paul outlines three specific areas where Jesus-centered change begins to show up in our lives: our relationships with others, our spiritual walk, and our prayer life. This message is a practical, clear invitation to live a Spirit-empowered life where transformation becomes visible, not just internal.

In this message, Christian Braly walks us through one of the most theologically rich and culture-confronting chapters in Ephesians. With humility and clarity, Christian unpacks what it really means to walk in love, walk in light, and walk in reverence. He contrasts biblical love with cultural definitions and challenges us to live as children of light—imitating Christ, embracing holiness, and letting our lives bear witness to the power and presence of God. Whether you’re single or married, wrestling or strong in faith, this is an invitation to live our true identity in Christ...without shame, but with intentional grace.